Wayumi: Documentary Screening

U of G’s College of Biological Science is pleased to host the Canadian premiere of Wayumi, which follows David Good, a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology student, and his mother, Yarima, as they attempt to reunite a family separated for 30 years. The film is a journey across continents and generations, exploring what it means to belong.

Against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and navigating Venezuelan bureaucracy, their story unfolds as a meditation on resilience, cultural survival, and the ties that endure across time and distance. Drawing from hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage, Wayumi weaves an intimate family portrait that spans from the jungles of Venezuela to the suburbs of New Jersey.

Following the screening, David will answer questions from the audience. Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe will emcee the event. 

The screening is free and open to everyone. Registration is appreciated but not required.

David Good

David Good, a PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, is researching the gut microbiome of the Yanomami, an Amazonian Indigenous people residing in southeastern Venezuela and northwestern Brazil. This unique research sheds light on the health and lifestyle of a community that maintains a traditional lifestyle of hunting, gathering, and simple horticulture.

Driven by his familial connection with the Yanomami people, Good founded the Yanomami Foundation in 2011. This non-profit organization is committed to empowering Yanomami communities with the necessary tools, resources, and intercultural training to protect their unique way of life and conserve their Amazonian homeland. The foundation's efforts are instrumental in ensuring the sustainability and preservation of the Yanomami culture and environment. 

Good's dedication to the Yanomami cause extends beyond his research and non-profit work. As a member of the prestigious Explorer's Club, he plays a pivotal role in organizing expeditions to Yanomami communities. These expeditions are not only a testament to his leadership but also serve to support crucial programs in health, biocultural research, education, and cultural preservation. In recognition of his remarkable work to promote science and exploration, Good was honoured as an Explorer's Club 50 awardee in 2023.